This college football postseason lineup is full of familiar faces in the College Football Playoff and some newcomers to the field. The 11 games to decide the national champion will start with first-round games at campus sites on Dec. 19 and 20. Four winners will advance to face the four teams with first-round bye in quarterfinals on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

The semifinals will be played at the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, respectively. The national championship game will be held Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

But there’s also more than just the chase for the national championship. A full lineup of bowl games will kickoff on Dec. 13 and run alongside all the playoff matchups

A look at the entire postseason schedule with dates, times and television details along with all the matchups that will take you through the holiday season and beyond:

LA Bowl: Washington 38, Boise State 10

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 13, Inglewood, Calif., 8 p.m., ABC

Demond Williams passed for four touchdowns, and the Huskies held the Broncos to under 100 yards of offense in the first half to cruise to their ninth victory of the season. Boise State, playing just eight days after winning the Mountain West title, threw five interceptions between quarterbacks Max Cutforth and Maddux Madsen.

Salute to Veterans Bowl: Jacksonville State 17, Troy 13

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 16, Montgomery, Ala., 9 p.m., ESPN

The Gamecocks bounced back from their loss in the Conference USA championship to finish their season with nine wins after a 1-yard touchdown run by Andrew Paul in the fourth quarter to defeat the Trojans.

Cure Bowl: Old Dominion 24, South Florida 10

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 17, Orlando, Fla., 5 p.m., ESPN

Both the Monarchs and Bulls were short-handed with their quarterback sitting out. Old Dominion trailed at halftime, but scored all the game’s 17 points in the second half with touchdown runs by Trequan Jones and Quinn Henicle.

68 Ventures Bowl: Delaware 20, Louisiana-Lafayette 13

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 17, Mobile, Ala., 8:30 p.m., ESPN

In their first FBS season, the Blue Hens earned their first bowl victory with a defense stand in the final seconds when the Ragin’ Cajuns were close to a tying touchdown. Jo Silver led a ground attack with 115 yards and a score, and Nick Minicucci added a passing touchdown to provide the early scoring.

Xbox Bowl: Arkansas State 34, Missouri State 28

DETAILS: Thursday, Dec. 18, Frisco, Texas, 9 p.m., ESPN2

Arkansas State opened up a big lead before holding off a rally from first-time bowl participant Missouri State. Red Wolves quarterback Jaylen Raynor threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns and wide receiver Corey Rucker passed 4,000 career receiving yards with 166 yards and a score.

Myrtle Beach Bowl: Western Michigan 41, Kennesaw State 6

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 19, Conway, S.C., 11 a.m., ESPN

The Broncos posted their 10th win of the season that also included a MAC title after starting fast with 27 points in the first quarter. Jalen Buckley had 174 yards and a score on just eight carries, and Broc Lowry threw for two touchdowns in the victory.

Gasparilla Bowl: North Carolina State 31, Memphis 7

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 19, Tampa, Fla., 2:30 p.m., ESPN

The Wolfpack dominated from the start, scoring the first 24 points of the game with quarterback CJ Bailey throwing for two scores and running for another. NC State closed its season on a two-game win streak, while Memphis lost its fourth in row.

College Football Playoff: Alabama 34, Oklahoma 24

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m., ABC/ESPN

The Crimson Tide equaled the record for the biggest comeback in College Football Playoff history by overcoming a 17-0 deficit and avenging an earlier loss to the Sooners in the regular season. Ty Simpson threw for two scores, and Zabien Brown returned an interception 50 yards for a score to key the rally.

College Football Playoff: Miami 10, Texas A&M 3

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 20, noon, ABC/ESPN

The Hurricanes won a defensive struggle with a late touchdown pass from Carson Beck to Malachi Toney and then an interception by Bryce Fitzgerald in the end zone in the final seconds. Texas A&M managed just a third-quarter field goal and committed three turnovers.

College Football Playoff: Mississippi 41, Tulane 10

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m., TNT/truTV

A rematch of a game comfortably won by the Rebels in September was another easy victory in the playoff. Ole Miss scored a touchdown after three plays and cruised into the quarterfinals. Trinidad Chambliss threw for 282 yards and one score in the victory.

College Football Playoff: Oregon 51, James Madison 34

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., TNT/truTV

Oregon blew up the first-round matchup with touchdowns on its first five possessions to lead 34-6 at halftime. The Ducks added a couple more scores in the third quarter before the Dukes had a strong finish. Dante Moore led the victory with 313 yards and four passing touchdowns.

Idaho Potato Bowl: Washington State 34, Utah State 21

DETAILS: Monday, Dec. 22, Boise, Idaho, 2 p.m., ESPN

Zevi Eckhaus threw for yards and three touchdowns to the lead the Cougars to a win against their future Pac-12 opponents. Maxwell Woods added 117 yards on the ground as Washington State piled up 628 yards of offense.

Boca Raton Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 23, Boca Raton, Fla., 2 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Louisville (8-4) vs. Toledo (8-4)

The Cardinals stumbled in their last three ACC games after being in contention for the title game. The Rockets, who saw coach Jason Candle leave for Connecticut, have won four games in a row.

New Orleans Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 23, New Orleans, 5:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Western Kentucky (8-4) vs. Southern Mississippi (7-5)

Two teams that faltered in their last game to miss their respective conference championship games. The Eagles also have lost coach Charles Huff to Memphis.

Frisco Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 23, Frisco, Texas, 9 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: UNLV (10-3) vs. Ohio (8-4)

The Rebels had two of their losses to Boise State, including the Mountain West title game. The Bobcats narrowly missed the MAC championship game.

Hawaii Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 24, Honolulu., 8 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: California (7-5) vs. Hawaii (8-4)

The Bears are being led by former Hawaii coach Nick Rolovich, who serving as interim coach after the firing of Justin Wilcox. The Rainbow Warriors return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.

GameAbove Sports Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 26, Detroit, 1 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Central Michigan (7-5) vs. Northwestern (6-6)

Matt Drinkall had a great debut season for the Chippewas, who will face the Wildcats for just the second time. Northwestern needs to reverse its run of four losses in five games to avoid finishing on down note.

Rate Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 26, Phoenix, 1 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Minnesota (7-5) vs. New Mexico (9-3)

It was a great season for the Lobos in Jason Eck’s first year with the program. They’ll stay near home to face the Gophers, making a seventh trip to the postseason under P.J. Fleck.

First Responder Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Dec. 26, Dallas, 8 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Florida International (7-5) vs. Texas-San Antonio (6-6)

Willie Simmons had a remarkable first season as coach of the Panthers, who enter on a four-game win streak. The Road Runners had an up-and-down year that included impressive wins against Tulane and East Carolina mixed with curious losses.

Military Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Annapolis, Md., 11 a.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Pittsburgh (8-4) vs. East Carolina (8-4)

It’s a return trip to this game for the Pirates after they beat North Carolina State last year. They’ll try to take down another ACC team this time. The Panthers must get better on defense to avoid that fate.

Pinstripe Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Bronx, N.Y., noon, ABC

MATCHUP: Clemson (7-5) vs. Penn State (6-6)

These are two teams that started in the top five and might have been a College Football Playoff semifinal. Both almost missed bowl games before a string of wins at the end of the year. Which will be motivated to finish out with a victory?

Fenway Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Boston, 2:15 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Army (6-5) vs. Connecticut (9-3)

The Black Knights secured their postseason spot with a win at Texas-San Antonio. The Huskies are making a return trip to Boston after beating North Carolina in this game last year.

Pop-Tarts Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Orlando, Fla., 3:30 p.m., ABC

MATCHUP: Georgia Tech (9-3) vs. Brigham Young (11-2)

Both the Yellow Jackets and Cougars had great seasons, but their playoff hopes ended with late losses. Look for both teams to be motivated to finish with a win that will help carry momentum into the offseason.

Arizona Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Tucson, Ariz., 4:30 p.m., CW

MATCHUP: Miami (Ohio) (7-6) vs. Fresno State (8-4)

It was a disappointing finish to the regular season for the Red Hawks, who lost in the MAC title game. The Bulldogs will ride the running back combination of Rayshon Luke and Bryson Donelson.

New Mexico Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Albuquerque., 5:45 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: San Diego State (9-3) vs. North Texas (11-2)

After missing a chance at the playoff, the Mean Green settle for a trip to face the Aztecs, who rebounded from a 3-9 season in 2024 to make a bowl game.

Gator Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Jacksonville, Fla., 7:30 p.m., ABC

MATCHUP: Virginia (10-3) vs. Missouri (8-4)

How do the Cavaliers respond after an overtime loss to Duke that cost them a CFP berth? The Tigers will be looking for their third bowl win in row.

Texas Bowl

DETAILS: Saturday, Dec. 27, Houston, 9:15 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Houston (9-3) vs. LSU (7-5)

The Cougars had their best season in the Big 12 as Willie Fritz continues his building of the program. It’s a return trip to the Texas Bowl for the Tigers, which may have Lane Kiffin around to help.

Birmingham Bowl

DETAILS: Monday, Dec. 29, Birmingham, Ala., 2 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Georgia Southern (6-6) vs. Appalachian State (5-7)

The Eagles hopefully won’t take it personally that the a swath of teams with five wins refused this game. It’s a rare rematch of conference foes here, but as Sun Belt divisional rivals played in the regular season with Georgia Southern winning 25-23.

Independence Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 30, Shreveport, La., 2 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Coastal Carolina (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (7-5)

The Chanticleers finished second in the Sun Belt division, but will be without coach Tim Beck, who was fired after the season. The Bulldogs are assured of their first winning season since 2019.

Music City Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 30, Nashville, Tenn., 5:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Illinois (8-4) vs. Tennessee (8-4)

Orange will be the color of the day in this game. Both teams had playoff aspirations entering the season but didn’t play consistently enough. At least one of them will finish on high note.

Alamo Bowl

DETAILS: Tuesday, Dec. 30, San Antonio, Texas, 9 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Southern California (9-3) vs. TCU (8-4)

The Trojans will be making their 57th bowl appearance, and this will be their first in the Alamo Bowl. The home crowd should favor the Horned Frogs, who will look to quarterback Josh Hoover to lead them to their third nine-win season in four years.

ReliaQuest Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Tampa, Fla., noon, ESPN

MATCHUP: Iowa (8-4) vs. Vanderbilt (10-2)

It’s the best season ever for the Commodores with Diego Pavia possibly playing in his last game. The Hawkeyes were the victim of four close losses, including two at home to Oregon and Indiana.

Sun Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, El Paso, Texas, 2 p.m., CBS

MATCHUP: Arizona State (8-4) vs. Duke (8-5)

This is an opportunity for the Sun Devils to erase a disappointing finish. The Blue Devils will be riding the momentum of their ACC title that ended a long championship drought.

Citrus Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Orlando, Fla., 3 p.m., ABC

MATCHUP: Michigan (9-3) vs. Texas (9-3)

Two of the winningest programs meet in their first postseason matchup since a memorable Rose Bowl won by the Longhorns in the 2004 season. Texas also won the other time the schools met – in last season’s opener.

Las Vegas Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Las Vegas, 3:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Nebraska (7-5) vs. Utah (10-2)

After a strong start, the Cornhuskers limped to a 1-3 record down the stretch after an injury to quarterback Dylan Raiola. The Utes will ride the dynamic playoff quarterback Devon Dampier after a season where it only lost to Texas Tech and Brigham Young.

Cotton Bowl

DETAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 31, Arlington, Texas, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Ohio State (12-1) vs. Texas A&M-Miami winner

Orange Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 1, Miami Gardens, Fla., noon, ESPN

MATCHUP: Texas Tech (12-1) vs. Oregon (12-1)

Rose Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 1, Pasadena, Calif., 4 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Indiana (13-0) vs. Alabama (11-3)

Sugar Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 1, New Orleans., 8 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Georgia (12-1) vs. Mississippi (12-1)

Armed Forces Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, Fort Worth, Texas, 1 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Rice (5-7) vs. Texas State (6-6)

A matchup of Lone Star State schools that played in the postseason two years ago. The Owls benefit from several schools skipping bowl games to get a postseason spot.

Liberty Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, Memphis, Tenn., 4:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Navy (9-2) vs. Cincinnati (7-5)

The Midshipmen first have a chance to win the Commander-in-Chiefs Trophy against Army before turning their attention to the Bearcats, who lost their last four after getting into contention in the Big 12.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, Charlotte, N.C., 8 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: Wake Forest (8-4) vs. Mississippi State (5-7)

The arrival of coach Jake Dickert was the catalyst for the Demon Deacons having a resurgent season. The Bulldogs had a series of near-misses, including overtime defeats to Tennessee and Texas, which caused them to fall short of six wins, but they still made the postseason.

Holiday Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 2, San Diego, 8 p.m., Fox

MATCHUP: Arizona (9-3) vs. SMU (8-4)

Brent Brennan started his second season with the Wildcats under pressure, but quarterback Noah Fifita helped lead a resurgent season. The Mustangs had the chance to make the playoff before stumbling against California in its regular-season finale.

Fiesta Bowl

DETAILS: Thursday, Jan. 8, Glendale, Ariz., 7:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: College Football Playoff semifinal

Peach Bowl

DETAILS: Friday, Jan. 9, Atlanta, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: College Football Playoff semifinal

College Football Playoff championship game

DETAILS: Monday, Jan. 19, Miami Gardens, Fla., 7:30 p.m., ESPN

MATCHUP: College Football Playoff semifinal winners

If you’re reading this, congratulations on advancing to the 2025 fantasy football championships.

Wide receiver wasn’t any less chaotic, as Amon-Ra St. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, Nico Collins, Jaylen Waddle, Jameson Williams, DK Metcalf and Drake London recorded fewer than 10 points in half-PPR formats, while Parker Washington outscored all but two wideouts. Finally, tight end was the gift that keeps on giving. Four of the current top seven at the position are Chig Okonkwo, Taysom Hill, AJ Barner, and Elijah Higgins. Popular top-10 options such as Trey McBride, Colston Loveland, Travis Kelce, and Colby Parkinson all finished with fewer than five half-PPR points.

Here’s a look at Week 17 fantasy football rankings. Toggle between standard, half PPR (point per reception) and full PPR to see where players rank in your league’s format. Scroll to the bottom to view the complete rankings.

Our team at USA TODAY Sports has you covered with plenty of content to help with your Week 14 waiver wire and roster decisions. Looking for up-to-date player news? We’ve got it. Don’t forget to check out the rest of our content:

Waiver wire: Eight players to add in Week 17 

Please note: These rankings will change significantly as the week goes on. Check back on Sunday morning for final updates.

(The risers and sleepers sections will focus on players available in at least 60% of Yahoo leagues. All snap and target data from PFF.)

Week 17 fantasy football quarterback rankings: Risers and sleepers

• Saints QB Tyler Shough (13% rostered) – Over the last four weeks, Shough is the fantasy QB9 in points per game. The rookie has eclipsed 17 fantasy points in four in a row and five of his last six. He’s a solid streamer against a Titans team that’s allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.
• Commanders QB Marcus Mariota (9% – if healthy) – Mariota injured his hand on Saturday, but there is a chance he’ll play in Week 17. If the veteran suits up, he’ll get the best matchup on the entire slate. On the season, Dallas has ceded the most points to the position, including at least 16.2 to all but one passer (Geno Smith in Week 11). A whopping 10 quarterbacks have surpassed 24 points against this defense in 2025.

Week 17 fantasy football running back rankings: Risers and sleepers

• Cardinals RB Michael Carter (42%) – While his usage might have been lower than we’d hoped, Carter was Arizona’s lead back on Sunday. He more than doubled the other two backs in snaps (30), routes (17) and opportunities (13). That kind of role should play well against a Bengals defense that’s surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this campaign. An incredible 23 backs have racked up double-digit half-PPR points against Cincinnati, including 14 with 14+ points.
• Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. (29%) – In his return, Rodriguez was Washington’s lead back on Saturday, leading the squad in snaps (28), routes (10) and opportunities (16). The 26-year-old has now garnered double-digit carries in five of his last six games. The 13 backs to record 10 or more carries against Dallas have averaged 16.3 half-PPR points, with the lowest total being 8 points.
• Rams RB Blake Corum (41%) – While Kyren Williams continues to maintain a heavy lead in the Los Angeles backfield, Corum has gotten his fair share of touches. The 25-year-old has touched the ball 13, 11, and 15 times in his last three games, and he ranks as the RB8 in fantasy since Week 13. Corum’s six carries inside the five during that stretch ranks fourth at the position.
• Browns RB Dylan Sampson (11%) or Trayveon Williams (0%) – Quinshon Judkins suffered a brutal leg injury in Week 16, which means the Browns will have a new starting running back this week. Dylan Sampson would likely lead the pack if healthy. In the two games where he’s received at least nine touches, Sampson has posted 13.3 and 15.2 half-PPR points. If Sampson can’t go, Williams would likely be the better fantasy option due to receiving upside. While they finished tied for second on the team in snaps last week, Williams had the edge in routes (11 to 5) and targets (4 to 1).
• Other RB streaming options – Emmanuel Wilson (37% – jumps to No. 1 if Josh Jacobs is out), Tyjae Spears (26%), Jawhar Jordan (8%), Jaylen Wright (14%), Devin Singletary (25%), Raheim Sanders (0%)

Week 17 fantasy football wide receiver rankings: Risers and sleepers

• Patriots WR Mack Hollins (3%) – With Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas both banged up, Hollins could be an elite streamer for Week 17, especially in PPR formats. Against the Ravens, Hollins led the team in snaps (49) and ranked second in targets (9). The result was his fourth outing with more than 10 PPR points in his last eight games.
• Jaguars WR Parker Washington (23%) – While Washington ranked third behind Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. in snaps on Sunday, he led the team in targets (9), receptions (6), and receiving yards (145). While the quality of Denver’s outside corners certainly had something to do with it, the usage is noteworthy. Another friendly matchup awaits in Week 17, as the Colts ranked third-worst against slot wideouts entering Week 16.
• Broncos WR Troy Franklin (51%) – This is technically cheating, since Franklin is rostered in 51% of Yahoo leagues, but it is a brutal week for those needing to stream at wideout. Pat Bryant suffered a scary-looking concussion on Sunday, which makes him doubtful at best for Week 17. Bryant’s injury should allow Franklin get closer to the role where he was averaging nine targets over the five games before the bye.
• Other WR streaming options – Jets WR Adonai Mitchell (19%), Bears WR Luther Burden III (16% – if healthy), Patriots WR Kyle Williams (2%), Panthers WR Jalen Coker (15%), Raiders WR Tre Tucker (41%)

Week 17 fantasy football tight end rankings: Risers and sleepers

• Saints ‘TE’ Taysom Hill (1%) – The answer to who would be the Saints’ lead back sans Devin Neal and Alvin Kamara was not Audric Estime or Evan Hull — it was Taysom Hill. The 35-year-old garnered six targets, 12 carries and one pass attempt en route to 13.3 half-PPR points. While Hill is capable of dropping a dud at any given time, that kind of usage is impossible to ignore, especially at a position like tight end.
• Bears TE Colston Loveland (43%) – While Loveland’s performance on Saturday was certainly disappointing, he’ll be in a great position to bounce back in Week 17. The Bears will be taking on the 49ers, who have allowed six touchdowns to tight ends over their last six games.
• Other TE streaming options – Bengals TE Mike Gesicki (4%), Rams TE Colby Parkinson (31%), Seahawks TE AJ Barner

Week 17 fantasy football rankings: PPR, half-PPR and standard

AI-assisted summary
• The Baltimore Ravens effectively benched running back Derrick Henry in the final 12 minutes of their 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots.
• Henry had rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns before the Ravens surrendered their lead.
• Coach John Harbaugh attributed Henry’s absence to a planned rotation with running back Keaton Mitchell.

That major fallout question is dogging the Baltimore Ravens after yet another embarrassing collapse Dec. 21. In blowing an 11-point, fourth-quarter lead against the New England Patriots, the Ravens managed to idle one of their most effective weapons when they needed him most.

And the explanations, from coach John Harbaugh on down, were just as perplexing after the 28-24 setback.

Sure, Henry had a fumble that extinguished some early momentum. But the bruising running back ran for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns – and averaged a whopping 7.1 yards per carry.

When the Ravens could have conceivably iced the game in crunch time – you know, milk the clock, keep the ball away from Drake Maye and the Patriots offense, and maybe even added to their lead – Henry was on the bench.

After his two-yard score early in the fourth quarter gave Baltimore a 24-13 lead, with the conversion, Henry never touched the football again.

Put another way, in the final 12 minutes, 50 seconds of a game the Ravens had to have, Henry had zero touches. Go figure.

With Lamar Jackson out, Ravens turn to … Keaton Mitchell?

One reason? Keaton Mitchell was in the backfield.

Turns out, it was all quite the losing equation for the Ravens, who entered the game with control of their own destiny and played the entire second half without Lamar Jackson, who was knocked out with a back injury. They could have captured the AFC North crown by winning their final three games, including a Week 18 rematch against the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers. Now that Week 18 rematch could mean nothing.

What, were they saving Henry for Week 18?

“Any player would just like to be able to have the ball in their hands and make plays for the team just to give ourselves a chance to go win,” Henry, the last player left in an empty Ravens locker room, said when someone asked if the situation in the fourth quarter marked the type of situation when he would have wanted the football.

“I think any player would have that same response, if you’re a competitor, and you love the game – and I definitely love the game – but this didn’t go our way tonight.”

More puzzling was that Henry – whom the Ravens signed to a two-year, $30 million extension during the offseason – maintained that he wasn’t surprised to be on the bench. After all, his sub, Mitchell, averaged all of 1.4 yards per rush (9 carries, 13 yards).

“We’ve been doing a rotation for I don’t know how many weeks,” Henry said. “Keaton has been doing a great job in the run game, and we are both in there doing the best we can.”

Yeah, but, Henry clearly had the hot hand on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium – the home park where the Ravens (7-8), by the way, have lost six games this season.

“I don’t think this would be a big deal if we had won the game,” Henry said. “There wouldn’t be any questions about it, but I understand that when you lose, everybody’s going to want to know or try to analyze every situation. But this is something we’ve been doing. We did it last week, and everything was fine, and we won.” 

The diplomacy from Henry might have been respectful of his backfield mate and coaches, including Harbaugh and coordinator Todd Monken. Yet given the outcome, his explanation just didn’t cut it. So many established NFL players would have had a fit if they were on the bench with the game on the line.

Then again, the decision on which players play – and at what point in a game – rests with the authorities, i.e. the coaches.

Ravens’ backfield rotation handcuffed Henry when they needed him most

Right, Harbaugh?

Asked why Henry wasn’t in the game on the next-to-last Ravens possession, when they gained 13 yards and punted, Harbaugh made it sound like it was the players – Henry and Mitchell – who made the personnel decisions for their rotation.

“Derrick and Keaton had talked about that,” Harbaugh said. “Keaton had started the other drive, and then Derrick came in and finished it off. So, it’s part of that rotation. He was going back in the game, then we got stopped. I think we had, what, two carries on that, out of the four plays, maybe, out of the six plays.” 

Mitchell had a four-yard run, then after a Tyler Huntley-to-DeAndre Hopkins completion moved the chains, was stuffed for no gain on an RPO call.

Said Harbaugh, “The play call is the play call. If it works, we’re thrilled with it.”

Of course, it didn’t work. It fueled more second-guessing for a coach whose team has a disturbing pattern of blowing big, fourth-quarter leads.

And it happened again.

“Looking back, would I rather have had Derrick starting the drive? Yes,” Harbaugh said. “But Derrick was kind of ready for Keaton to start that drive. And then he was planning on coming in next. So, they were working that rotation.

“When you look back on it, I think it’s pretty easy to say, ‘Hey, he should have been in there or shouldn’t have been in there.’ But we’re rotating those guys throughout the game as two backs. But yes, (a potential) game-winning drive, do I want Derrick Henry on the field? Sure, I do want him on the field.”

It’s a bad look for Harbaugh and Monken. With the season on the line, they stuck with their rotation – because, why, again? – rather than adjusting to the flow and specific game situation.

This is so Ravenesque. They blew it again. The handling of Henry in the fourth quarter on Sunday night is added to the pile of questions – which includes a defense unable to make key stops – about why no lead is safe.

And now the Ravens are left to hope that the Cleveland Browns pull off an upset of the Steelers … if, of course, they’re able to upset the playoff-desperate Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday.

Then again, maybe such upsets are all part of the rotation.

Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on  X: @JarrettBell

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the verge of winning the AFC North for the first time since 2020. They may have to clinch the honor without the services of their top receiver, DK Metcalf.

The NFL suspended Metcalf two games for ‘conduct detrimental to the NFL’ after the 28-year-old got into an altercation with a fan during his team’s Week 16 win over the Detroit Lions.

‘Metcalf’s actions violate league policy, which specifies that ‘players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day,’ the NFL said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports. ‘If a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.’

Metcalf is planning to appeal the suspension, per multiple reports. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero also reported ‘had a history’ with the fan in question and had reported the fan to security last season while he was with the Seattle Seahawks.

However, if Metcalf’s suspension is upheld, the Steelers will have to clinch passage to the postseason without the services of Metcalf. How easy will that be? Here’s a look at the Steelers’ playoff chances and what they’ll need to do over the final two weeks to make the playoffs.

Steelers playoff chances

The Steelers have an estimated 92% chance to make the playoffs, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats. They are battling with the Baltimore Ravens atop the divisional race but have earned a significant advantage after winning back-to-back games and seeing Baltimore drop back-to-back contests.

The Ravens have just an 8% chance to make the postseason, per the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.

Steelers playoff scenarios

The Steelers can wrap up a playoff berth in Week 17 if one of the following scenarios occurs:

• Steelers win OR tie against Cleveland Browns OR
• Ravens lose OR tie against Green Bay Packers.

Baltimore will be in action Saturday, so Pittsburgh will know if it has already clinched a playoff berth before its game Sunday.

If the Steelers are unable to clinch the division in Week 17, they can get into the playoffs with a win or a tie against the Ravens in Week 18.

The only way the Steelers will be eliminated from playoff contention is if the following scenario unfolds:

• Steelers lose to Cleveland Browns in Week 17 AND
• Ravens win final two games.

Metcalf’s absence may make that scenario slightly more likely to occur – if only because the Steelers lack depth at the wide receiver position – but the Steelers still certainly have a significant edge in the AFC North race.

AFC North standings

The Steelers and Ravens were tied atop the AFC North standings entering their head-to-head battle in Week 15. Since then, Pittsburgh has opened a two-game lead on Baltimore with two games left to play.

Below is a look at the pecking order within the division:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)
2. Baltimore Ravens (7-8)
3. Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)
4. Cleveland Browns (3-12)

The Steelers currently own a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Ravens and possess a better divisional record (3-1) than the Ravens (3-2).

The only way Baltimore can win a tiebreaker over Pittsburgh is if the Steelers lose their final two games. That would give the Ravens a better divisional record than their rival.

Even then, the Ravens would still need to beat the Packers in Week 17 to have any shot at unseating the Steelers in the season’s 11th hour.

Steelers remaining schedule

The Steelers have the eighth-easiest remaining strength of schedule over the final two weeks of the NFL season, per Tankathon. That’s buoyed by their Week 17 matchup with the AFC North-worst Browns.

Here’s a look at Pittsburgh’s end-of-season slate:

• Week 17: at Cleveland Browns (3-12)
• Week 18: vs. Baltimore Ravens (7-8)

Ravens remaining schedule

Conversely, the Ravens have the 10th-hardest finish to the season. They are playing two nine-win teams to close the season. Both are currently on track to make the 2025 NFL playoffs.

Here’s a look at how Baltimore finishes the regular season:

• Week 17: at Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)
• Week 18: at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)

Steelers WR depth chart

Below is a look at the receivers on whom the Steelers will be relying if Metcalf’s suspension is upheld.

• Calvin Austin III
• Adam Thielen
• Marquez Valdes-Scantling
• Ben Skowronek
• Scotty Miller
• Roman Wilson

Austin leads the team with 28 receptions this season, while Thielen and Valdes-Scantling are recent veteran additions signed to improve the Steelers’ depth at the position.

In all likelihood, the Steelers will also rely on their trio of solid tight ends – Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington – as well as running backs Kenneth Gainwell (the team’s receptions leader) and Jaylen Warren to keep their passing game afloat without Metcalf.

The NFL on Monday suspended Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman for two games for what it called repeat violations of player safety rules.

During the second quarter of the Chargers’ 34-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Perryman was flagged for unnecessary roughness for ‘delivering a forcible blow to the helmet of Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy while he was on the ground after making a catch,’ the league said.

Perryman plans to appeal the suspension, according to multiple reports.

The 11th-year veteran also served a two-game suspension in 2023 for repeated violations, including a helmet-to-helmet hit on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

Perryman is set to miss the final two games of the regular season. The Chargers have not clinched a playoff berth but are currently slotted in the first wild-card position.

Perryman has started 10 games for the Chargers this season and ranks fifth on the team with 47 tackles.

KANSAS CITY, MO ― What’s next for Texas A&M volleyball after winning its first title by defeating Kentucky on Sunday? Coach Jamie Morrison is already talking repeat.

Over the last month, the third-year head coach has said again and again that his Aggies would be a force to be reckoned with now and into the future.

‘It’s just the beginning of what our program’s going to do,’ Morrison said.

‘There was a small flame going of interest in our sport. It wasn’t small, it was a pretty big one. I think we just threw a whole 13 gallons of gasoline on it,’ the coach added after Texas A&M swept No. 1 Pitt in the national semifinals.

Morrison believes though the roster might look different, the Aggies can make multiple Final Four runs and win more championships along the way. He believes Texas A&M can recruit, develop talent and has plenty of resources to get the job done.

Morrison believed it before he won Coach of the Year. Before he and his team pulled off back-to-back sweeps during the Final Four. Before Texas A&M beat the Kentucky Wildcats. It was also before and three of his four players who earned All-American honors this season made the NCAA All-Tournament team.

‘They all bought into the way it was going to be, how we were going to work, how we were going to act as teammates, how we were going to care and love each other. Those things weren’t easy,’ Morrison said about his team after winning it all.

‘There was a group of them here from the beginning that said I want to be a part of this, I want to build this program. … For all of them, I don’t think they were envisioning a national championship by the time they were done. I think when we were selling what we were doing, it was building something they could come back to in the future and be really, really proud they helped build.’

With the Aggies first championship, Morrison lived up to his vision and fulfilled the promise he made to his players. Nine of those players — including starting setter Maddie Waak, opposite Logan Lednicky, libero Ava Underwood and middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla — are seniors and will be leaving the program they helped build into a champion.

Assuming the team keeps its remaining core next season, that leaves starting redshirt junior Kyndal Stowers to lead six sophomores and one senior. Stowers, who won All-American honors and Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four, will lean on Morrison’s ability to recruit and develop talent.

‘When I say, ‘Hey, we can be good for a time to come,’ it’s not just us in terms of [volleyball] … It’s the entire athletic department.’ Morrison said.’ I think we have a pretty unique group that’s going in there.’

Texas A&M’s incredible run might signal a changing of the guard and more parity in college volleyball. After all, for the first time in nearly 16 years, none of the sport’s blue bloods — looking at you Stanford, Penn State, Nebraska and Texas — made the Final Four. But Morrison isn’t buying the underdog talk.

“We’re a really good volleyball team,” Morrison said. “I don’t think it’s been the greatest upset in the history of sports.”

Morrison believed all along and is confident there’s more to come, starting with defending their title in 2026.

• Jerry Jones said the Cowboys won’t evaluate Matt Eberflus until after the season, but the defensive coordinator isn’t helping his cause down the stretch.
• The Jaguars are still in play for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and Jacksonville looks like a legitimate threat to go on a deep playoff run.
• The Steelers found their spark in the backfield, while the Ravens unraveled yet again.

A bit of initial magic befitting the holiday season couldn’t sustain itself in NFL Week 16.

The slate of games got off to a scintillating start Thursday with the Seattle Seahawks prevailing over the Los Angeles Rams to shift the landscape of the NFC West and the race for the conference’s top seed. The excitement didn’t let up on Saturday, when the Chicago Bears surged past the Green Bay Packers to seize control of the NFC North in thrilling fashion.

But the drama let up considerably on Sunday, reinforcing just how frontloaded the week’s schedule was. Yet there was still plenty of fallout to sort through as the Bears and San Francisco 49ers punched their postseason tickets.

Here are the biggest winners and losers of Week 16 in the NFL:

NFL Week 16 winners

Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles Chargers quarterback has shouldered a disproportionate burden for an offense that lost its bookend offensive tackles, with his workload tipping into untenable territory in recent weeks after he suffered a broken bone in his left hand. Herbert returned to top form, however, with a dazzling performance in a 34-17 win against the Dallas Cowboys. In completing 23 of 29 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns, Herbert balanced efficiency with aggression, keeping the offense moving with his work underneath while still connecting on two long scores and a host of other downfield shots. And despite being blitzed on a season-high 54.7% of his dropbacks, according to Next Gen Stats, Herbert did not take a single sack in the game, marking a first for him in 2025. Perhaps this is more telling of the Chargers’ opponent than it is of Herbert and the offense – more on that later – but it marked important progress ahead of next week’s tilt against the Houston Texans and their imposing pass rush.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Two weeks ago, Trevor Lawrence ruminated on his team’s place in the larger football landscape by declaring ‘nobody really cares about the Jags, which is fine.’ By the end of the season, a lot more people might have to at least pay attention to them. With a 34-20 win over the Denver Broncos, Jacksonville not only kept its hopes alive for the AFC’s No. 1 seed but also delivered a statement that the team would be fully worthy if it ends up atop the conference playoff pecking order. Against a defense that had crushed all comers in the passing game, Lawrence once again sizzled, keying in on the quick game while throwing three touchdowns and running for another. Parker Washington, who finished with 145 yards on 10 receptions, was critical to the attack’s mission of doing a good deal of damage after the catch. Long an afterthought in the AFC playoff race, Jacksonville might be as dangerous as any other team in the postseason if the team maintains this trajectory.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ backfield

On a day when DK Metcalf’s most explosive moment was his physical confrontation with a Detroit Lions fan, the Steelers turned to their backfield to provide a needed spark in an eventual 29-24 win. Kenneth Gainwell got things going just before halftime when he managed to secure an Aaron Rodgers deep heave right after falling to the turf, with the fifth-year back then racing into the end zone to tie it at 10-10. Then, Jaylen Warren broke loose in the ground game for a pair of 45-yard scores in the second half. Amid a good deal of drama, the Steelers now are in prime position to seal their first AFC North title since 2020.

Lathan Ransom

One week after his unnecessary roughness penalty helped facilitate the New Orleans Saints’ upset, the Carolina Panthers rookie safety found himself in a much kinder spotlight on Sunday. Ransom hauled in his first NFL interception when he secured an errant Baker Mayfield pass to seal a 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was part of a stellar overall effort for Carolina’s rookie class, with Tetairoa McMillan continuing to build his case for offensive rookie of the year with six catches, 73 yards and a touchdown, while Nic Scourton’s persistence in the pass rush helped keep Mayfield out of sorts. Unless the Buccaneers fall to the Miami Dolphins and the Panthers upset the Seahawks, then the division crown will still come down to a winner-take-all Week 18 rematch. But holding things down at home was still an important step, as Carolina would have been in trouble with a loss and an unfavorable Week 17 setup.

Cam Ward

Beating the empty husk that is the current edition of the Kansas City Chiefs probably isn’t cause for celebration for many teams. Yet in a trying season for the Tennessee Titans, the franchise has to cling to whatever scattered positive signs emerge. Most of those have typically come back to Ward, the No. 1 pick who has shown promise despite the Titans basically calling the season a wash after just six games. His latest outing was a showcase of significant growth, as his 2.42-second average time to throw represented his quickest mark all season, according to Next Gen Stats. Still, Ward managed to mix on some calculated shots, including an incredible 30-yard completion downfield to rookie Chimere Dike as the quarterback escaped to his left. With six touchdowns and just one interception in his last three games, Ward is enjoying the kind of steady ascension that augurs extremely well for Year 2 – so long as he is paired with a new coach who buys into the dynamic skill set he offers while still helping him become a more efficient passer.

Chris Olave

The Saints made it clear at the trade deadline that the speedy receiver would be a vital part of the team’s future. But his price tag looks to be increasing exponentially. In a 29-6 win over the New York Jets, Olave notched a season-high 148 yards and two touchdowns on 10 catches. The fourth-year wideout is one of many figures in New Orleans to be rejuvenated by Tyler Shough’s installation as the starting quarterback, with five of his eight touchdowns this season coming in the last six weeks. And with 29-year-old possession receiver Jakobi Meyers inking a three-year, $60 million contract extension last week, Olave is positioning himself for a massive payout this offseason, with only his fifth-year option still remaining on his deal.

NFL Week 16 losers

Matt Eberflus

Moving from the field to the coaches’ booth didn’t do much for a change in perspective or efficacy for the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. Eberflus’ unit surrendered a touchdown on each of the Chargers’ first three drives and allowed 7.3 yards per play on the day. Yes, being without Quinnen Williams only amplified the need to depend on the blitz to generate a pass rush. But this post-Micah Parsons front being unable to do what almost every other team has managed to do in pummeling Herbert is a massive indictment of both scheme and personnel. A clearly exhausted Jerry Jones said after the game he wouldn’t make any in-season decision on Eberflus, but he stopped well short of backing the embattled coordinator. ‘I might not couch it as difficult,’ Jones told reporters when asked about assessing Eberflus’ future. ‘It’s certainly something that we have to do.’ With Brian Schottenheimer and the scintillating offense doing more than their part, it’s difficult to find much of a case for bringing back the man who oversees a unit that ranks 31st in points allowed.

Baltimore Ravens

A Lamar Jackson injury? An offense undone by turnovers? And a defense that can’t hold firm when it counts? In a 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots, the Ravens played all the hits while speed-running a season collapse. Maybe Jackson’s exit with a back injury spelled doom for Baltimore’s playoff hopes, which now hinge on both a win on Saturday over the Green Bay Packers as well as a Steelers loss to the Cleveland Browns next Sunday. But John Harbaugh’s crew is not merely the victim of circumstance, as there are no excuses for a team that trips itself up with this frequency.

NFL’s Christmas lineup

Heading into Sunday, Netflix and Prime Video’s holiday tripleheader was already set to feature four teams that had been eliminated from playoff contention, including a Chiefs team with significantly less appeal after Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending knee injury. But things might be getting even more dire for the streamers. Kansas City backup Gardner Minshew’s knee injury could leave the team to start Chris Oladokun against the Denver Broncos and their vaunted pass rush. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, fear not. Oladokun is known only to Chiefs diehards, NFL draft devotees and preseason football aficionados. Meanwhile, J.J. McCarthy’s hand injury might leave the Minnesota Vikings to again start undrafted rookie Max Brosmer, who had a disastrous debut as a first-stringer against the Seahawks. Instead of tuning in to inconsequential, unenticing games on Christmas, might be time for you to dust off an old movie … or even spend time with family.

Michigan stretched its lead a bit over Arizona in this week’s voting for the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll, and a previously unbeaten team taking its first loss shuffled the top five.

The Wolverines received 20 of 31 first-place votes and are 10 poll points ahead of the Wildcats. Arizona claimed all 11 of the remaining top votes, with a single second-place nod going to No. 3 Iowa State. Connecticut and Purdue each move up a spot to round out the top five as Duke slips from third to sixth following its loss to No. 16 Texas Tech.

TOP 25: Complete USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball poll

The rest of the top 10 is unchanged as Gonzaga, Houston, Michigan State and Brigham Young stay put in positions 7 through 10. Vanderbilt, the still unbeaten and the highest ranked squad from the SEC, moves up a notch to No. 11 as Louisville slips three places to No. 14.

Georgia makes its first appearance in the rankings this season at No. 24, and Southern California also enters at No. 25. St. John’s and Auburn are the week’s dropouts.